Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Cleveland Zoo next project

My scanner is still not cooperating with my new PC, so I printed what I discovered, took a photo and attempted to post as an attachment (click to enlarge). Apologies for the delay.
Here are the current proposed plans for the new Cleveland Metroparks Zoo lion exhibit renovation:
CleZooLionExhibit.jpg

For those familiar with the zoo, this expansion/renovation basically envelops the current outdoor flamingo pool and indoor holding area, as well as the small, adjacent waterfowl exhibit. It would also cut into the seating area for the zoo's main food court and eliminate the stone walls (which once surrounded the old sea lion exhibit prior to it's conversion into the food court). CLR Design also did the architecture for the recently-opened African Elephant Crossing, so I have to believe the exterior viewing-platform arbors would match that of it's sister exhibit across the entry plaza. As long as this project does not take five-years to materialize, while not the first "next project" I would've selected after the Elephant Crossing, it shows progress and has my blessing... :)
 
wyldjaguar said:
My scanner is still not cooperating with my new PC, so I printed what I discovered, took a photo and attempted to post as an attachment (click to enlarge). Apologies for the delay.
Here are the current proposed plans for the new Cleveland Metroparks Zoo lion exhibit renovation:
View attachment 3897

For those familiar with the zoo, this expansion/renovation basically envelops the current outdoor flamingo pool and indoor holding area, as well as the small, adjacent waterfowl exhibit. It would also cut into the seating area for the zoo's main food court and eliminate the stone walls (which once surrounded the old sea lion exhibit prior to it's conversion into the food court). CLR Design also did the architecture for the recently-opened African Elephant Crossing, so I have to believe the exterior viewing-platform arbors would match that of it's sister exhibit across the entry plaza. As long as this project does not take five-years to materialize, while not the first "next project" I would've selected after the Elephant Crossing, it shows progress and has my blessing... :)
Click to expand...

Thank you so much Wydjaguar for sharing this.We have similar feelings towards this project but the plans look decent.One problem is you can forget about seeing the lions from the dining area from may-sept as this area is always total chaos with families and school groups.However the exhibit itself looks nice and is a major upgrade for the lions both inside and out.

Did you hear whether or not our lions are to remain at the zoo when this project commences?

Team Tapir
 
Did you happen to get a copy of the carousel plans at all? I do not know what they do not incorporate aviaries around the new carousel area. They could also place exhibits along the outside walls of the birthday rooms. It would be a way to bring birds back to the zoo along with the carousel. Think of it as a bit of old and new.
 
Re: carousel plans - all the plans I heard about the carousel were shared verbally by CZS staff, so unfortunately, I have nothing visually to share.

Re: lion plans - I uncovered the lion proposal while conducting a little research; while I was obviously able to access them, I don't know if they were necessarily released for public consumpion yet. (I know it was the first I had seen of anything, and couldn't resist sharing.) Unlike the carousel plans, I've heard no timetable nor know what the current plans are for Moufasa, Nala or Serena during construction. I will be at another CZS function next month, so I'll see what further details I can uncover!
 
Update to CMZ's "next project" news...
The Zoo/Society is attempting to focus upon aligning funds for three projects totaling $15-million geared toward opening 2014-2016. The three projects include:
  • Endangered Species Carousel - groundbreaking 2013, open May 2014
  • Lion ("Predators of the African Savanna") - groundbreaking 2014/open 2014-2015
  • S.H.A.R.E. (Sustaining Health and Revitalizing Environments) Center - groundbreaking 2014/open in phases thru 2016

The Carousel and Lion projects sound similar to the plans that have been discussed earlier in the forum. The S.H.A.R.E. Center will focus more upon education and 'internal sustainability,' rather than animal exhibitry. 'Unfinalized' components of the center would include a browse farm for animal residents, hay barn, aquaponics facility, classrooms, labs, updated/expanded recycling & composting center, equipment storage, and more. The Center would help the Zoo become a "Zero Waste" facility, a leader in urban wildlife studies and native plant propagation, and a best-practices leader for nutrition and wellness for both animals and people.

More information can be found in a CZS proposal report here.
 
S.H.A.R.E.Center..... PU,How about updated the primate and cat building or how about a Birds of the World building like a real zoo or some other animal exhibit. If I want to learn about recycling I'll go to the internet not the zoo.
 
Why does everything in Cleveland have to be so drawn out.I mean come on a year to install a caroseul.The Recycle Center is a poor idea as well.

Team Tapir
 
The carousel process takes a while because Carousel Works carves each of the animals the old-fashion way. They also have a lot of other orders they are also working on. Akron had to wait about 18 months. I just do not understand why they would need to start construction in 2013 if it does not open until 2014. It must be late 2013. I like the predator exhibit idea and the fact there will be more than just lions. I do not know why they don't move the cheetahs down here too. The other project seems like a waste when so much else is out of date. The carousel will happen, but a new director may come in and change plans since it will be their vision for the zoo. CMZ could put in a series of smaller exhibits instead of putting in a large one that costs too much for what you get out of it. Anyway, I see nothing for 2013 except for AEC enhancements that should have been in the original plans in the first place.
 
TigerValley98 said:
I like the predator exhibit idea and the fact there will be more than just lions. I do not know why they don't move the cheetahs down here too.
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I don't understand why they don't bring the cheetahs down also. What other species will be included? All they would have to add is Brown Hyena and they would have done it for me to make me happy with joy :D
 
Re: carousel timeline - while I wouldn't think a protective pavilion and adjoining party room would take a year to construct, as mentioned above, it does take approximately a year to construct the ride itself. From what I was told, ~70% of the carousel animals are "pre-created" (i.e., "off the shelf"), with the other ~30% the selected choice of the buyer. Plus, to be honest, I think they are hedging their bets [thismuch] and want to make sure the Metroparks next operational levy passes in 2013 before committing to make sure the Metroparks next operational levy passes in 2013 before committing to any giant capital project.

Re: "predator exhibit" - I admit, I don't think I care for the way it is being billed as a "Predators of the African Savanna" exhibit. From my understanding, this exhibit is lions-only: the same enclosure renovation/expansion noted in my 8/21/2012 posting above. The recently-released 'big' master plan calls for a "Serengeti Predators" exhibit adjacent to the Vet Hospital that would bring down the cheetahs and include Cape dogs/maybe hyenas, but, sadly, I don't believe that is on the near horizon. (I, personally, somewhat envision something similar to the kopje-themed lion/hyena exhibit at the Ft. Wayne Children's Zoo).

Re: S.H.A.R.E. Center - I'm somewhat taken aback at the negativity of the project. Is it a "sexy project" like rebooting PCA or the polar bears? No, and I'd like to see that badly, too; perhaps if you can donate ~$25-million for such a project, I'm sure they'll re-prioritize it. For a ~$3-million investment, to create a program that would save the institution $50,000/year on waste removal, put a nice dent in their food purchasing budget, and potentially provide $100,000/year in compost sales and program fees... To strengthen the education bond between both local school districts and colleges... To generally promote important environmental issues... why would a conservation institution like a zoological garden want to do that, especially in today's economic climate??
 
Does anyone know if the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo masterplan is available?The only thing we could find is a small map that is barely legible by the Portico group.We are also wondering that with the change in directors is any current masterplan subject to significant changes.

Team Tapir223
 
@Team Tapir - I don't know if the file you saw from the Portico Group is the current plan; the one I am aware of is from CLR Design. Further, although I'm sure I've seen it online, I admit I cannot find it quickly (...at least at the moment). I know a ~six page hard-copy proposal has been mass produced that has been available at many CZS events.

To answer your other question, my wife and I had the opportunity to meet/talk to Dr. Kuhar at "Animal Attractions" last week and walked away very impressed - friendly, knowledgable, very personable. I don't believe the main goals of the masterplan will change dramatically, for much of it is also driven by the Cleveland Metroparks, itself, as well as CZS, who help dictate funding. That said, he did seem to agree (at least with my philosophy) that every project does not have to be a $25-million dollar expansion, so smaller projects might be in his queue. As far as 'big projects' go, he did mention the front gate expansion/relocation as something he'd like to se. It sounds like there is also a desire for the previously bantered-about African predator exhibit, which would include Cape dogs. All sounded positive, as long as things/plans don't die in committee (...which I told him was my only critique of our zoo).
 
Per TeamTapir's request, I posted a photo of the masterplan released last year in the CMZ gallery. For those that are interested/curious, enjoy. Cheers...
 
After attending a recent CZS event, now that Dr. Kuhar has had a chance to re-evaluate the (not-so) recently-released new masterplan, according to CZS President Liz Fowler, herself, after the completion of the Carousel, the four capital projects the zoo will be focusing upon are (in no particular order) tigers, bears, gorillas, and the main gate. According to others at the event, although not official, tigers would probably be the first item on the agenda, for it sounds like plans entail more of a renovation of the current exhibit (filling in the moat, installing glass viewing panels, etc). Then, the park would focus upon a larger-scale, more-expensive project (a la African Elephant Crossing). This, of course, is somewhat dependent upon the passage of the Metroparks levy this fall, but the four aforementioned projects would, theoretically, be completed within the next decade.

Other sources also confirm that, aside from the Carousel and adjacent children's play area breaking ground this fall (opening spring 2014), Aramark may be paying most of the bill for a new reservable, catered party area that would replace the Wild Wings tent (located across from the Carousel area) that would lookout over Waterfowl Lake. Income generated from the ride and the reservable area would then be eventually targeted back into the park for further renovations.
 
wyldjaguar said:
After attending a recent CZS event, now that Dr. Kuhar has had a chance to re-evaluate the (not-so) recently-released new masterplan, according to CZS President Liz Fowler, herself, after the completion of the Carousel, the four capital projects the zoo will be focusing upon are (in no particular order) tigers, bears, gorillas, and the main gate. According to others at the event, although not official, tigers would probably be the first item on the agenda, for it sounds like plans entail more of a renovation of the current exhibit (filling in the moat, installing glass viewing panels, etc). Then, the park would focus upon a larger-scale, more-expensive project (a la African Elephant Crossing). This, of course, is somewhat dependent upon the passage of the Metroparks levy this fall, but the four aforementioned projects would, theoretically, be completed within the next decade.

Other sources also confirm that, aside from the Carousel and adjacent children's play area breaking ground this fall (opening spring 2014), Aramark may be paying most of the bill for a new reservable, catered party area that would replace the Wild Wings tent (located across from the Carousel area) that would lookout over Waterfowl Lake. Income generated from the ride and the reservable area would then be eventually targeted back into the park for further renovations.
Click to expand...

Thank you Dr Kuhar. It finally seems the zoo is realizing what really needs done.
 
wyldjaguar said:
After attending a recent CZS event, now that Dr. Kuhar has had a chance to re-evaluate the (not-so) recently-released new masterplan, according to CZS President Liz Fowler, herself, after the completion of the Carousel, the four capital projects the zoo will be focusing upon are (in no particular order) tigers, bears, gorillas, and the main gate. According to others at the event, although not official, tigers would probably be the first item on the agenda, for it sounds like plans entail more of a renovation of the current exhibit (filling in the moat, installing glass viewing panels, etc). Then, the park would focus upon a larger-scale, more-expensive project (a la African Elephant Crossing). This, of course, is somewhat dependent upon the passage of the Metroparks levy this fall, but the four aforementioned projects would, theoretically, be completed within the next decade.

Other sources also confirm that, aside from the Carousel and adjacent children's play area breaking ground this fall (opening spring 2014), Aramark may be paying most of the bill for a new reservable, catered party area that would replace the Wild Wings tent (located across from the Carousel area) that would lookout over Waterfowl Lake. Income generated from the ride and the reservable area would then be eventually targeted back into the park for further renovations.
Click to expand...

Heard that Tigers would be first then gorillas.I'm sure that the main entrance could be before either though.Dr Kuhar told me personally via twitter that the Shreckengost mastodons are still on the table for the entrance and its just a matter of finding the right way to do it.Also was told by another source that if and when gorillas is done that PCA will remain largely in tact and that a gorilla forest would simply be added to it.The reason bears is at the bottom of the zoos list is a obvious one and that would be the extremely high cost of demolition.

Team Tapir223
 
TeamTapir223 said:
Heard that Tigers would be first then gorillas.I'm sure that the main entrance could be before either though.Dr Kuhar told me personally via twitter that the Shreckengost mastodons are still on the table for the entrance and its just a matter of finding the right way to do it.Also was told by another source that if and when gorillas is done that PCA will remain largely in tact and that a gorilla forest would simply be added to it.The reason bears is at the bottom of the zoos list is a obvious one and that would be the extremely high cost of demolition.

Team Tapir223
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I am happy to here this news. If PCA remains in tact, I would like to see more theming and some of the exhibits merged to make them larger. They need to seal of the nocturnal section off to block the light from the rest of the building. It will be interesting which direction the new gorilla area will be added. I will also be interested to see if any other species will be added. I also wondered if they would have more than one exhibit area because if they want a troop, Bebac and Mokolo would need their own space. Since both have heart issues, I do not see the boys moving.
 
TigerValley98 said:
I am happy to here this news. If PCA remains in tact, I would like to see more theming and some of the exhibits merged to make them larger. They need to seal of the nocturnal section off to block the light from the rest of the building. It will be interesting which direction the new gorilla area will be added. I will also be interested to see if any other species will be added. I also wondered if they would have more than one exhibit area because if they want a troop, Bebac and Mokolo would need their own space. Since both have heart issues, I do not see the boys moving.
Click to expand...

I spoke to Dr. Kristen Lukas Curator of Conservation and Science and head of the Gorilla SSP this past winter and was told that Cleveland's Gorilla exhibit would accommodate both a bachelor group and a family group this will pretty much become a new standard of all new gorilla exhibits (Como Zoo and Houston Zoo for example). I hope the Mandrills get a outdoor forest type exhibit but would not count on it.Lemurs as well.

Marty of Team Tapir223
 
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